Remote UE Multi-Path Relay RRC State Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wireless communication systems face challenges in establishing an efficient indirect link for an idle relay UE in a multi-path relay scenario, particularly in managing the RRC connection and bearer configurations for multiple paths.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for operating a remote UE in a wireless communication system, involving establishing an RRC connection with a base station, performing measurement reports for relay UEs, receiving RRCReconfiguration messages for multiple paths, and transmitting messages for PC5 RRC connections to indicated relay UEs, thereby triggering Uu connections and enabling multi-path operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the relay UE maintains RRC IDLE/INACTIVE state to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the ability to establish indirect links efficiently deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption of relay UEVSAvoidestablishment efficiency of indirect link
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay UE autonomously transitions from RRC IDLE/INACTIVE to CONNECTED state upon receiving the first indication message from the remote UE, without requiring network intervention. This self-service mechanism enables the relay UE to maintain energy savings while being capable of establishing indirect links when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The network pre-configures the remote UE with multiple relay UE candidates and their identifiers before the relay UEs are needed. When an indirect link is required, the remote UE can immediately select and contact a pre-identified relay UE, eliminating the need for real-time discovery and connection establishment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the system supports multiple paths for remote UE connection, then communication reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliability of remote UEVSAvoidRRC connection and bearer configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-path connection is segmented into independent RRC connections, each associated with a specific relay UE. The network configures separate bearers for each path, allowing independent management and optimization of each connection without affecting others. This segmentation simplifies the overall complexity by treating multiple paths as independent units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The same RRC configuration mechanisms and bearer management procedures are universally applied to each path in the multi-path relay scenario. The network uses identical signaling protocols and configuration methods for single-path and multi-path scenarios, reducing the need for specialized complex handling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the relay UE transitions to CONNECTED state to establish indirect links, then communication efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiency of indirect linkVSAvoidenergy consumption of relay UE
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The RRC state of the relay UE is dynamically adjusted based on real-time communication needs. The relay UE transitions from IDLE/INACTIVE to CONNECTED state only when the remote UE requires indirect link establishment, and returns to IDLE/INACTIVE when not needed. This dynamic state management optimizes the balance between communication efficiency and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The relay UE autonomously manages its own RRC state transitions based on received indication messages from the remote UE, without requiring continuous network control. This self-service approach minimizes the time spent in high-energy CONNECTED state while ensuring communication efficiency when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4546872A1Operation method for UE related to idle relay UE in multi-path relay in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4546872A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4546872A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4546872A1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

One embodiment relates to an operation method for a remote user equipment (UE) related to a multi-path relay in a wireless communication system. In the method, the remote UE establishes a radio resource control (RRC) connection with a base station, reports measurements about one or more relay UEs to the base station, receives an RRCReconfiguration message related to a multi-path from the base station, and transmits a message for a PC5 RRC connection to a relay UE indicated through the RRCReconfiguration message, and the remote UE transmits, to the relay UE, a signal for triggering a Uu connection of the relay UE, and the signal for triggering the Uu connection of the relay UE is transmitted through one from among the message for a PC5 RRC connection and a PC5-RRC message.